Native American Groups Slap Down Trump’s ‘Pocahontas’ Comment

Native American groups have denounced President Trump’s “Pocahontas” joke during a ceremony honoring Native American veterans. “The name becomes a derogatory racial reference when used as an insult,” the Alliance of Colonial Era Tribes’ general secretary said in a statement Monday. “American Indian names, whether they be historic or contemporary, are not meant to be used as insults. To do so is to reduce them to racial slurs.” While honoring the Native American veterans, Trump called Sen. Elizabeth Warren “Pocahontas,” a jab at her claims of Native American ancestry. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders defended Trump, claiming the name was not a slur. Russell Begaye, president of the Navajo Nation, also weighed in Monday. “The prejudice that Native American people face is an unfortunate historical legacy,” he said in a statement, adding “the Navajo Nation does not want to engage in this dialogue between Sen. Warren and President Trump.”